Marietta Stringer, age 83, a resident of Porterville for 56 years, passed away February 17th following a short illness. Marietta was living in Belmopan, Belize at the time of her death. She moved to Belize in July of 2008 to be near her daughter Rebecca McDonald. Prior to moving to Belize she lived at Sierra Hills Retirement Community in Porterville and Golden Hills Mobile Estates in Porterville.
Marietta was born April 15, 1925 to Lizzie Toles and Luther Sikes in Agra, Oklahoma. Her family moved to Fruita, Colorado in 1932 and to Farmersville, California in 1940. She was a child of the great depression and had many stories to tell of her family’s adventures during their migration to California.
Marietta was a wonderful homemaker, mother and wife for most of her life and lived for the joy and companionship of her large family. She was always there to lend a helping hand with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She loved the outdoors, especially the Sequoia Mountains. In her younger years her hobbies included traveling, camping, backpacking and skiing. During her many visits to Belize she enjoyed fishing and snorkeling. Marietta spent many hours gardening and had a special talent for growing irises. She loved to dance.
Marietta was proceeded in death by her loving husband, David Stringer, her daughter, Carolyn Hodges, granddaughter, Deborah MaComber, grandson, Shawn Stringer, sisters, Audrey Robinson and Hazel Stringer, brothers, Luther Sikes, Jack Sikes, Everett Sikes and William Sikes. She is survived by sisters, Charlotte Buckmaster of Nashville, TN and Corrine Woodside of Tahlequah, OK, daughters, Rebecca McDonald of Belize and Jackie Guin of Porterville,CA, stepson, Calvin Stringer of Palmdale, CA, stepdaughters, Ramona Icono of Tulare,CA and Katharine Johnson of Las Vegas,NV. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
Marietta will be cremated in Belize and a private memorial will be held in Balch Park, California later in the summer.